CONCEPTUAL AND CATEGORY APPARATUS OF ELECTION PROCESS RESEARCH IN THE CONDITIONS OF UKRAINE’S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The article substantiates the modern scientific approach to the research of the of the conceptual and categorical apparatus of electoral processes in Ukraine. It is noted that European integration processes lead to changes of legislative reformation of local and state bodies in Ukraine. Electoral processes in Ukraine are developing as a part of digital and technology reforms. The article states that reform of electoral processes in Ukraine can be realized only by updating the electoral legislation and optimizing the organizational structure of electoral processes on the basis of a comprehensive scientific approach, taking into account the best electoral practices of the European Union countries. Clear understanding of modern concepts and categories related to the electoral process serves as a solid basis for developing effective mechanisms of organizational and legal regulation in this area. The article identifies and analyzes the sources of European Union law in the electoral sphere, proposes a group distribution of normative legal acts of Ukraine, which directly or indirectly regulate relations in the electoral sphere in Ukraine and considers the main principles of the election process, defined by the Electoral Code of Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the factors of information and communication in the electoral process through the introduction of new technologies in electoral procedures. It includes electronic registration of voters and candidates, electronic voting, automated vote counting using technology and special software. The research also identifies key features in the approaches to the interpretation of the category «electoral processes», such as: the subjective component, period of implementation, the stages of implementation. It is determined that the concept of «election process» is defined in including through other concepts — «subjects of election processes» and «election procedures». The interrelation of the constituent categories of the concept of «electoral procedures» is described and an integrated definition of the concept of «electoral processes» is proposed. It should be noted that the electoral processes are the main tools for the formation of representative bodies of power, so the improvement of electoral legislation is of particular importance for the democratic development of the state.